Launch.......Abort

Mims, Florida
Crystal Lake RV Park

It was an early morning departure for us today as we were going to Kennedy Space Center.  We pulled into the parking lot around 9 am when they opened.  Everything I researched about it was that it would take the whole day to tour.

When we paid for our tickets we found out that there was a Falcon 9 scheduled for launch today.  The nice lady at the ticket both said that once there were three thousand people at the Saturn center, they wouldn't take any more people there.

We decided to take the bus tour and go to the Saturn Center.  Because launch pad 39 had the Falcon 9 on the pad we couldn't drive as close as normal.  

Just a hint if you ever visit the space center, sit on the right side of the bus.  Here's a poor photo of the VAB--vehicle assembly building.  I wish I could remember all the facts and figures.  It's the largest one story building.  The doors were over 400 feet tall.  There's a flag on the side of the building that covers the equivalent of 21 floors.

Here's the Falcon 9 at launch pad 39A that is ready to be launched.  

I can not describe the size of this Saturn--it's huge.  One thing I do remember is that there are over two million parts.




Outside the Saturn Center were the bleachers where astronauts would bring their families to watch the launches.  First ladies also watched the launch from the bleachers.  This is where the 3,000 people were allowed to watch the launch.  While this is 3.9 miles from the launch pad, it is the closest that anyone can safely be.

We decided to have lunch and since we had a table with an umbrella, wait until the 4:12 launch.  We shared the table with another couple and the time flew by.  Finally, they announced that the launch was postponed until 5:47.  At that point we knew we'd missed some other exhibits so took the bus back to the Space Center.  

The Atlantis was in this building.  It was fun watching the kids crawl through some of the displays.




When we left that building we went to the bleachers beside the Atlantis building to wait for the launch.  There was a huge screen  to watch the launch.  We watched the clock count down.  We were told what was happening the last ten minutes.  Less than a minute to go and everyone has their cameras ready.  Well, most everyone.  I had two camera batteries and now both were exhausted.  I grabbed my camera and had it ready.  When the clock got down to 58 seconds, it stopped.  We then heard that it aborted but they still could launch.  The clock went back to 15 minutes but didn't move.  They said it could launch in a window up until 6:21.  At 6:05 they said it was scrubbed until tomorrow.  

I'm charging camera batteries now.

Turtle Safely........

  

Love Bugs and Alligators

Crystal Lake RV Park
Mims, Florida

Bill drove from North Fort Myers to Mims today.  It was a 200 mile drive and uneventful except for all the love bugs.  They were so bad, we couldn't even get out of the truck without them getting inside when we stopped at the rest area.

Our new GPS decided to die today.  It would go blank and then start up.  We managed to keep it going for a few minutes at a time.  I finally pulled out the atlas.  I asked Bill if he was happy that he was driving and I was doing the co-piloting.  He said he was very glad to be doing the driving today.

Bill really showed a lot of finesse in hitching up before we left the park this morning.  The road was so narrow that the truck hung over the edge of it.  There was a military memorial with names on the bricks that went right to the edge of the road.  

We did leave that park with a sun tan.  The last few days we went to the flea markets and visited with some of the people while we were at the pool.



John and Gerri Beckman recommended this park.  You can't beat 50 amp full hook up sites with pool and WIFI for $20 per night.  Add the fact that they are also pull thrus made this fine for us.

Can you see the lake by the back of our trip?

When I registered today, Wendy, was watching TV about someone that was missing and thought maybe an alligator attacked the person.  She said it's mating season and they are unpredictable.  I'll be checking out the area, before I walk around.





Tomorrow we are going to Kennedy Space Center.  I'm sure it will be a long day.

Turtle Safely........

Missed $225,000 by a Day

North Fort Meyers, Florida
Tamiami RV Park

Last year in Alaska I bought a chance on a ticket for the day and hour the ice melts in Nenana.  I chose the date May 2 because that was my Dad's birthday.  I checked the live coverage online today and found out that it was Tuesday, May 1, at the same hour and minute I predicted.  Only problem is I missed it by one day. Here's what I read online:

The tripod had been teetering but didn't stop the clock until it moved sufficiently downstream Tuesday and one of the attached lines tripped the clock at 2:18 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time, meaning the winning ticket time is 1:18 p.m. Alaska Standard Time.

The tripod, perched on the Tanana River, tipped a day earlier and set off the alarm at the Nenana Ice Classic guard tower, but the tripod didn't travel the 100 feet downstream necessary for one the lines from the tripod to pull a pin, which then would let a meat cleaver fall and cut the wire to stop the analog clock.

Bill and I went down to the office and extended our stay here four more days.  We're enjoying sitting still.  I know you're saying, that isn't our style but having a sparkling clean pool right across the street and the weather has been delightful has made us enjoy the slower pace.  Did I also mention that they even have free ice machines here?

We visited The Shell Factory, which is across the road and visited there flea market where I purchased some excellent produce.  

Today we went to Costco and stopped at the mall in Fort Meyer.  I can't believe how many perfume stores there were in that mall.  I don't know about you, but I try and avoid entering a department store where the perfume counters are.  My eyes are burning and I'm trying to race pass the perfume without breathing.  

I forgot to mention that Bill and I did receive a $100 gift card each for the delayed by a day Delta flight to Paris in March.  I thought they could have done more since it was their fault.  I hadn't mentioned the name of the airline because I was waiting to see what they would do.  It took a long time for Delta to respond.

It looks like we'll head over to Titusville on Wednesday.  Does anyone have any suggestions for a RV park in the area of Kennedy Space Center?  Our reservations begin in Savannah on the 16th so it looks like we can relax until then.  We will scramble out of Savannah on the 20th and high tail it to Sedalia.  See, we are planning a little.

Turtle Safely........

Nothing Today

North Fort Meyers
Tamiami Village and RV Park

Our departure today wasn't early but we managed to arrive at the RV park during the time they close for lunch.  We didn't make any reservations as this park was $16.50 a night and we wanted to see it before we committed.  

I did notice that it said no rigs over 40 feet.  I can see why.  It was built in the 70's when the coaches were much smaller.  You can't see from this photo but we are as far back on the site as we can go without hitting the electric pedestal.  

The office staff was so professional and gave us a huge welcome package with everything we need to know about the area.  This place is spotless.

Bill really likes this park since he can wash the love bugs off the truck.


We were given a site right across from the pool, laundry, library and clubhouse.  I keep watching to see if there is no one in the pool.  Maybe I'll go in while we are here.  

Turtle Safely.........

My Kind of Place

Tanglewood RV Resort
Sebring, Florida

Another gorgeous day and thankfully no humidity.  Bill and I went over to Ron's place in Avon Park.  

We sat and talked on the porch nearly the whole day.  I can't believe Bill and Ron could remember the names of their schoolmates.  They told stories of things that happened so many years ago.  I sat there and enjoyed the two of them reminiscing.  

Ron said he thought we'd enjoy dinner at Cherry Pocket.  It was about an hour drive away through a lot of orange orchards.  I have no idea how he managed to find the place.

I really love quirky places and this just fit the bill.  The menu turns out to be a newspaper Cherry Pocket Times.  I really wasn't sure what town was nearby but it is on Lake Pierce.  According to the newspaper, there were stories of men riding their horses in the tavern front door, have a drink, and leaving through the back door, all the time without leaving the horse's back. 

We were lucky that it wasn't crowded and we had a great view of the lake from the deck.  

It was so relaxing and not noisy like a lot of restaurants are.

The menu had steaks and seafood but also Louisiana specialties, crabs and many other selections.  Did I mention the brown bread with the special butter?  

Bill and Ron both had shrimp dinners but I had the blackened grooper which came with dirty rice, tossed salad, baked sweet potato and green beans.  

Our timing was perfect because they had two for one drinks.  It was a lovely time and fitting for our last night here.   

Look how classy the restrooms were.

It was hard to say our "see ya's" but we'll pick up in the same place when we see each other again.  Hopefully, Ron will come out to Arizona where we can show him around.  Unfortunately, there isn't anything that can compare with the Cherry Pocket Fish Camp.  

Turtle Safely.......

Enjoying Our Visit

Tanglewood 
Sebring, Florida

Ron came over this morning and picked us up.  He drove Bill and I around the area.  It was nice getting to see the places that Ron lived since retiring here in 1998.  I had no idea that boating and fishing was so popular in the area.

Ron wanted to know where I wanted to go for lunch.  I suggested someplace that wasn't a chain restaurant. He knew the right place which was in Frostproof.

When I saw how crowded the parking lot was, I knew this was going to be good.

It didn't look like much on the outside but the Frost Bite was very good.  They also had a huge selection of ice cream.  I ordered three scoops and Ron told me I'd be sorry.  I had no trouble eating it all.

I saw this Montana with the purple mountain decals.  I always thought George and Linda had a unique Montana with the decals that faded to purple and I always thought they looked nice.  Now I know there is more than one with purple mountains but I will bet it doesn't have all the neat things added to it like the Morey's.

I thought maybe you would like to see what a over $1200 a month RV park looks like.  Lucky for us we are in the off season.  I can't believe what they charge and get away with charging. 



Turtle Safely.........

It Took 10 Years of RVing to Happen

Tanglewood
Sebring, Florida

Yesterday we crossed into Florida.  I must say they have some beautiful rest areas in Florida.  I didn't expect to find a Blue Angel plane at one.



The welcome center was very helpful and suggested we get a Sun Pass for the turnpikes.  Coming from Arizona, which doesn't have any toll roads, we were happy that they helped us to obtain one.  

Now that wasn't the only first for a rest area--how about a windshield cleaning station for automobiles and trucks.  I didn't realize how important that was, until I noticed our nose on the fifth wheel was covered in love bugs.  

The night before I tried updating the GPS.  For some reason, I would lose the internet connection before it would finish.

We've already lost an hour as we crossed into the eastern daylight time zone.  We were trying to make Silver Springs and visit Faye and Don but realized we were way too tired to travel that far.  

Yesterday when I went to change something on the GPS it would turn off and on.  This lead to some major problems in finding a RV park.  The first place that sounded good on the internet and looked good on their website wasn't anywhere Bill or I would have stayed.  No problem we'll go down the road.

As I punched in an address and then the GPS turned itself off and on, we ended up going around in circles.  I'm not sure how much time we spent going around in circles, but when we found a RV park I was happy to be parked.

This morning is when the dreaded fifth wheel drop happened.  Everything was wet from the dew.  The power cord and water hose were put away when Bill decided to make a "pit stop".  I had tried again to update the GPS with only 15 minutes left before I lost the internet again.  I took the GPS to the truck, and sat in the passenger seat to program our destination.  Bill came out and climbed into the driver's seat.  I jumped out and said I didn't have the jacks up yet.  I hit the level up control and pushed auto retract, and shut and locked the door.  As the jacks retracted, I noticed the front end going down in the truck.  Yep, I forgot to hitch on.  Luckily, there was enough room from the hitch to the tailgate for it to land in the 8 foot bed.  Lucky also that we have a V-gate and it didn't cause any damage.  

Everyone says it will happen sooner or later.  I'm glad there was no damage.  We don't normally put on miles and day in day out driving like we've been doing.  Bill has done all the driving.  We need to spend a week doing nothing but resting.  

I tried calling a lot of RV parks in Avon Park.  They have plenty of empty sites, but many do not answer their phones or open their office.  

What's so interesting in Avon Park?  Bill's best friend of at least 75 years, is here.

It's been awhile since we last saw Ron Smith in West Virginia.

Ron recently bought a new to him Dodge Ram.  It's a real beauty.  






Turtle Safely.......

Spending the Night in Alabama

Robertson, Alabama
Azalea Acres RV Park

Another great driving day.  Last night it rained, but the roads were dry when we pulled out of Vicksburg.  Bill drove over to Jackson, then south on US highway 49 to Hattiesburg then US 98 to Mobile.  We always try and find a US highway rather than drive the interstates where there are a lot of trucks and vacation people trying to get as quickly as they can from point A to point B.   

The Mobile skyline looked real pretty with the white clouds.

The last time we went through Mobile it was about 4 pm and the traffic stopped when we were in this tunnel on I 10.  I couldn't see any daylight the last time. Today it was smooth driving and not much traffic.

We didn't stop for a tour of this ship.

It looked like we had our own escort as he stayed in front of us for miles.

Really huge sites today compared to the one we had last night.  

No place in the area to get a hair cut but hopefully, we can find someplace tomorrow.  





Turtle Safely.......

Mississippi today

Vicksburg, MS
Magnolia RV Park

Bill drove the entire day but for some reason I'm really tired tonight.  I think you are so busy during a rally you don't realize how tired you are until it's over. 

We took the back roads to Pine Bluff and then crossed over into Mississippi in Greenville.  

No matter how many times we cross the Mississippi River it's always the same feeling.  Now we are in the East.  

I did learn a few facts about the US 82 Bridge in Greenville. It is the third longest cable-stayed bridge in the United States.

I found these facts at the welcome center.  I would have felt more welcome if they had a sign directing you to a RV parking area instead of having to guess which entrance to take.

It was a beautiful building but the grounds looked like they had been neglected.

There was a free museum on the upper floor.

I learned a few things about the area.

Delta music began in Leland where musicians played for people that stopped for dinner on the Memphis to New Orleans train.

Now I know where Kermit the Frog was born. 

Stein Mart clothing began in Greenville in 1905.

We visited Onward on our last visit to the area to see where the "Teddy Bear" story began many years ago.  

Lee and Loralie told us many years about the Onward Restaurant.  We actually ate there about 8 or 9 years ago.  I must say they have put some money in the place because it doesn't look the same.  I was tired or we would have stopped to see if they still had the hanging fly catchers everywhere.  There were cars in the parking lot.

Bill and I are headed to Avon Park, Florida to visit his best friend. We've only explored the panhandle so if anyone has any ideas of places for us to see, please let us know.   Also of any RV parks along the way.

Turtle Safely........

The Party Is Over

Hot Springs, Arkansas
Lake Catherine State Park

Every great party has to come to an end.  This last week at Lake Catherine State Park has been so much fun.  This was a perfect size where you get a chance to meet most everyone.

George and Linda pulled out this morning.  It's just not the same with Harry, Carlena, Linda and George gone.  We've enjoyed being with them this past month.  It will seem strange not seeing George in the lead and Harry watching our back when we leave here.  

There was a barbecue lunch today, but we didn't go.  We had a big breakfast and the group left at 10 am.  I knew Bill wanted to wax the truck and we usually do it together.

We were very lucky to have this nice couple parked near us.  Gail and Bob were first timers and we immediately liked them.  They cancelled some other plans they had and have decided to go to the Escapade.  We're looking forward to seeing them next month.  

While Gail and Bob were here, Kathy came by.  She was going canoeing and wanted to know if I wanted to go.  I really tossed it around, but I knew Bill could use the help in finishing up the truck.  It's a big job when you wash and wax it all in one day.  I did find out that Vicki fell in the water.



Linda and Jim Collins stopped by after that.  I have no idea why the photo came out blurry.  We'll see Jim and Linda maybe latter this summer.

A happy hour was added to the nightly campfire.

Here's the Kansas bunch.

Everyone really enjoyed the evening.








Kathy took this picture of Bill and I.  








We have truly enjoyed our time spent here.  It's a beautiful area and even though we've been in the area before we still found things to do.  

Kathy did an awesome job of hosting the rally. Now why didn't I have a picture of her?  No, that's not Kathy's husband, that's Scott Luciano. 



Turtle Safely.......

Too Much Happening to Post

Hot Springs, Arkansas
Lake Catherine State Park

It's been so busy, there just hasn't been time to blog.  Anyone that knows us, knows we enjoy attending RV rallies.  It's great to see our friends, but also nice to meet new ones.

Saturday night Camping World had a wonderful catered dinner supplied by Bubba's Catfish.  The meal was unlimited fried catfish, french fries, and coleslaw.  It was cooked here, so it was hot and fresh.  Lots of folks had second helping.  

The weather forecast was for rain Saturday and Sunday and the pavilion was prepared for it.  Tarps were hung on all three sides in case the weather got bad.  We were going to walk over, but Harry suggested we take his truck in case it did rain.  

Camping World gave out a lot of gift certificates for the prize drawings.  They also had a new Montana parked by the water for anyone to view.  




Here's a photo of Bonnie, the number one story teller for campfires.

Here's a photo of John and Shirley Kohl.  Shirley took a tumble today and John will be nursing for awhile.








Vicki made an announcement that Larry Sessoms was unable to attend and he said "hi" to everyone.

Gail and Bob Speer were newbie full timers.  They have decided to go to the Escapade so we will see them again next month. 

Scott Luciano presented Kathy Adams with a certificate, thank you card and a gift bag for hosting the rally.



It started to sprinkle right as we were ready to leave.  

We didn't go to the campfire as we thought the rain would continue.  We are up on the hill from most of the other sites and can not see anyone near the water.  

Bill and I were having coffee with the Allen's, Schoolcraft's, and Morey's  when we found out about the fun we missed the night before.  It seems that everyone by the fire went into Camping World's brand new  Montana when the rain came down.  I hear there was a lot of fireball consumed and fun past the quiet hours.  

We relaxed and talked with folks most of the day.  Bo insisted we take her for a walk.  Before you knew it, it was time for the campfire.

Bill and I usually do not do campfires as the smoke bothers our lungs.  

This rally knows how to do it right.  They have three propane fires.  

It is much cooler down by the water than up on the hill.

It turned out to be a dry day even though it rained during the night.






Early this morning we took the truck back to the shop to have the AC looked at again.  It was leaking freon and they replaced a tube.  Hopefully, this will do the trick.  I know I've said that before, but sooner or later we have to find someone who knows how to repair it.  At least it wasn't the compressor and dryer again.  

Harry and Carlena wasn't out when we were ready to leave but we said our "see ya's" to them last night.  

By the time we arrived back at Lake Catherine I was starved.  I received a text from George asking if we had eaten.  This was one more chance to avoid cooking.  

They were going out for barbecue with Bud and Susie.  Our first choice was closed but the second choice was great.  We went to Stubby's and it was perfect.  Of course, we stayed so long it was almost dinner time when we left.

George helped us put in a bracket for our GPS after we returned.  It will clear off some of the junk on the dash.  We sat outside for awhile and chatted with George and Linda.  They are leaving the fifth wheel here in storage and traveling back to Casa Grande.  It is a surprise so I'll let you know soon what's up or maybe they will comment with the reason.

We were tired and decided to watch a little TV and skip the campfire tonight.  

Turtle Safely........